Doorbell transforms routine jingles into captivating piano tunes
Want to add a dose of melodrama to your home's first interaction? Give your mundane doorbell an upgrade with the Piano Doorbell! This DIY project brings together electronics, coding, and 3D printing to transform your ordinary doorbell into a delightful musical instrument.
Arpan Mondal's Piano Doorbell revolutionizes the welcome mat, welcoming guests with short musical notes instead of just the usual ding-dong. Constructed from a compact keypad of five 3D-printed piano keys, this doorbell offers tactile satisfaction and a playful sound, making it a fun, warm, and welcoming addition to your home.
The Piano Doorbell is powered by an ESP32S3 microcontroller, which reads key presses and plays corresponding piano-sampled audio clips. The sound is amplified using a PAM8403 module, ensuring it's audible across your home, If you're keen on building your own Piano Doorbell, here's a rundown of the materials and tools you'll need:
- ESP32 or ESP36-S3 board
- Micro limit switches
- Resistor ladder
- Audio Amplifier
- Speaker
- 3D Printing (PLA filament)
- Wiring
- Power Supply (5V DC)
- Coding (Arduino IDE or PlatformIO)
Follow these steps to create your very own Piano Doorbell:
- Design and 3D Print the Keys and Housing:Use Fusion 360 to generate models for five keys (three white, two black) and a matching housing. Print the parts in PLA, then spray paint the housing glossy white for a sleek, piano-like finish.
- Assemble the Key Mechanism:Attach micro limit switches under each key, offering tactile satisfaction when pressed. Assemble the keys into the housing, ensuring a smooth and responsive action.
- Wire the Circuit:Connect the switches through a resistor network to an input pin on the ESP32. Connect the audio output from the ESP32 to the PAM8403 module, then wire the PAM8403 to the speaker. Provide power to the amplifier and microcontroller.
- Prepare Audio Samples:Record or download piano note samples and convert them to .raw format. Embed the samples as C header files in your microcontroller code.
- Write and Upload Firmware:Using the Arduino IDE or PlatformIO, create code that detects which key is pressed and plays the corresponding note. Utilize the DAC or PWM output of the ESP32 to transmit the audio sample to the PAM8403 module.
- Final Assembly:Secure the electronics inside the 3D-printed housing. Test the Piano Doorbell to ensure each key press results in the correct note, and that the sound is clear and loud enough for a doorbell.
- Optional: Wireless Upgrade:Consider using a wireless transmission method between the outdoor piano and indoor speaker for a truly wireless setup, as suggested by Mondal.
With a bit of creativity and a dash of technology, you can transform everyday experiences into something memorable, like turning a doorbell into a whimsical musical instrument. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just someone looking to add a personal touch to your home, the Piano Doorbell offers an enjoyable and rewarding DIY challenge!
The Piano Doorbell, a home-and-garden project, integrates technology and lifestyle by turning an ordinary doorbell into a piano-inspired melodic instrument. By following a series of events such as designing, 3D printing, coding, and wiring, you can create an unusual but captivating event that welcomes guests to your home with a fun and warm technology-infused sound.
